Proverbs Chapter 24: Verse 32 (NIV)
I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw.
James Chapter 1: Verses 23-25 (NIV)
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirrorand, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
God uses different ways to speak to us and teach us life lessons. The verse in Proverbs is the response to something that Solomon saw when he was out going about his life. What struck me from that verse was that he took on board what God had shown him- he took it to heart and learned a lesson from the practical example he had been shown. God has used many day-to-day situations and scenarios to get my attention. At other times God speaks to us through a sermon or other teaching, and also through the Bible. But both Solomon and James teach us that the most important thing for us to do, regardless of how the way that the lesson has been taught, is to take it to heart and apply it to our lives. That’s when we get blessed. If we don’t actually act on what we have learned, then the lesson has done us no good at all.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You speak to us in many different ways to get our attention. You know how best to do that. However, may I be like Solomon and apply it to my heart whichever way the message comes from You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.